Seth Lakeman

Digital EPs

After becoming something of a folk poster-boy back home in Britain, Seth Lakeman has turned his gaze to the US with this release, which glues together two (you guessed it) digital EPs as an introductory calling card. With the combined total of six songs here primarily made up of material from his latest long-player Freedom Fields (his third in Britain), and Vol. 1 constructed solely of former singles, the songs on Digital EPs are essentially the ones that helped Lakeman build and cement his reputation in the UK, and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be the first step in to a similar fate on the other side of the Atlantic. The likes of “Lady of the Sea” and “King and Country” showcase his impressive voice and musicianship well, with more diversity to be found in “The White Hare”‘s mellow acoustic balladry and “Setting of the Sun”‘s Celtic influences. Curiously, perhaps the most impressive song here is b-side “Captain’s Court”, with its repeated backing chants and powerful chorus marking two of the most memorable moments of either volume. Often, though, Lakeman can be a little too pleasant for his own good, and while most likely destined for acceptance within US folk circles, as at home, it is difficult to see him conjuring the sort of spine-tingling moments that inspire the love of singer-songwriters and their music, rather than just enjoyment .